Francesco Allocca, a junior at Locust Valley High School, witnessed the great almost-tragedy at the basketball try-outs, and fast action from the coaches and first responders made the big difference in ensuring he is now alive.
On November 17, 2022, with Francesco wearing the number 23 for the Falcons’ varsity team, sudden cardiac arrest overtook him just as he was trying out. It was the most dreadful moment for the people in the gym. Just that for the coaches is hard to imagine; his teammates must have been traumatized seeing him fall. But his coaches and staff took immediate action to initiate CPR and apply the AED that was conveniently stationed just outside the gym.
Minutes went by before Francesco’s fate was sealed. Artie Sandstrom, the head custodian and fire chief, along with paramedic Scott Sila and firefighter/teacher assistant Michael Sabatino, quickly took over, giving him the needed care to make his heart start beating once again. He was then transported to Glen Cove Hospital and afterward transferred to Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
On November 26, nine days later, Francesco’s mother, Pia Scarfo Allocc, returned to Glen Cove Hospital for an emotional reunion with all those who helped save her son. She candidly expressed her torrent of feelings, having lost her husband Paul to cancer in April 2023.
“This is very emotional for us, for our family. We are very grateful for the coaches and staff stepping in when Francesco was having cardiac arrest. It couldn’t be a better Thanksgiving, thank God and thank this community.”
Francesco has been a varsity basketball player since his sophomore year, usually as a power forward or small forward. His father was known for quiet determination, which Francesco exhibited as well. And now, less than 14 days after the doctors said he would not make it, he is home with his family in preparation for a Thanksgiving that will feel more than usual special.
The scare has led the Locust Valley Central School District to take action. They’ve ordered seven more AEDs and increased CPR and AED training for staff. Dr. Kristen Turnow, the superintendent, stated that every second counted and having AEDs in the right places was what literally saved Francesco’s life.
Tests are still being run by doctors at Cohen Children’s Medical Center to determine what would have caused cardiac arrest in such a healthy teenager. To Francesco, however, this Thanksgiving is particularly for his family and the entire Locust Valley community, with gratefulness for the people who would not allow the Allocca family another tragedy. You may also be interested in: Centreville Illinois: Football Player Terrence Curry Fatally Shot by Brother Over Jealousy
